Matching back pressures on differential oil-filled diaphragms

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a differential pressure transducer that comprises first and second diaphragms of different configurations, i.e., different diameters and/or thicknesses. The pressure transducer provides more versatility over prior art designs as the diaphragms can be of different configurations yet still maintain substantially similar back pressures. Therefore, the errors commonly associated with back pressures are eliminated because the back pressures from the diaphragms ultimately cancel out in the sensor&#39;s differential pressure measurement.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/720,414 entitled “Matching Back Pressures on Differential Oil-FilledDiaphragms,” filed 19 Dec. 2012, and published as U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US2014/0165735 on 19 Jun. 2014, the contentsof which are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully setforth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to pressure transducers and more particularly toa low differential pressure transducer and header.

BACKGROUND

A differential pressure transducer is a device that provides an outputindicative of a difference between two input pressures. For example,when a first pressure P₁ is applied to one face of a deflectingdiaphragm and a second pressure P₂ is applied to the other face of thedeflecting diaphragm the resulting deflection of the diaphragm will bedetermined by the difference in pressure (as for example P₁-P₂). Thereare other differential pressure transducers in the prior art thatessentially use two separate semiconductor structures. Each structurehas its own diaphragm and the piezoresistors employed on the diaphragmsurfaces are connected together to form a bridge which provides adifferential output.

A pressure sensor of a differential pressure transducer is oftenenclosed inside an oil filled capsule to protect the sensor from harshenvironments. One drawback of this encapsulation is that as thetemperature changes, the oil expands and contracts and creates anadditional pressure on the sensor. Thus, as the oil expands the metalisolation diaphragm must deflect slightly in order to make room for theextra volume of oil. This deflection causes the metal diaphragm toimpart a small pressure (a “back pressure”) into the oil which is thentransmitted to the sensor. This pressure is generally on the order of afew PSI for every 100° F. change in temperature but can vary a greatdeal depending on the volume of oil and the stiffness of the metaldiaphragm. For most pressure sensors this additional pressure isrelatively small compared to other errors and can be electricallycorrected in a number of different ways.

However, when the sensor is a relatively low pressure sensing device, itis more difficult to correct these errors, and extra effort must be madeto eliminate the cause of this undesirable back pressure. This is alsotrue in high heat environments or with fluctuating temperatureenvironments. These challenges generally occur within differentialpressure sensors where both the main and reference ports of thetransducer are oil-filled. One solution to this problem is to make thetwo oil filled pressure capsules identical in configuration such thatthe pressure on the front and back of the sensor cancel out (asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,662, herein incorporated by reference),which is not always possible due to geometric considerations. It is tothis need that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide a pressure transducer, comprising: a firstdiaphragm housed in a first section of a header, the first diaphragmhaving a first diameter and being adapted to receive a first pressure; asecond diaphragm housed in a second section of the header, the seconddiaphragm having a second diameter and being adapted to receive a secondpressure, wherein the first diameter and the second diameter aredifferent; and a sensor module in communication with the first diaphragmand the second diaphragm via first and second oil-filled volumes,respectively, adapted to output a signal substantially indicative of adifference between the first and second pressures; wherein the firstdiaphragm receives a first back pressure from the first oil-filledvolume and the second diaphragm receives a second back pressure from thesecond oil-filled volume, wherein the first back pressure and the secondback pressure are substantially similar.

Other exemplary embodiments provide a pressure transducer, comprising: afirst diaphragm having a first diameter housed in a first section of aheader, the first diaphragm adapted to receive a first pressure anddeflect indicative of the first pressure; a first oil-filled volumedefined on a backside of the first diaphragm, the first oil-filledvolume adapted to transmit the deflection of the first diaphragm to asensor module, and wherein the first diaphragm receives a first backpressure from the first oil-filled volume; a second diaphragm having asecond diameter housed in a second section of the header, the seconddiaphragm adapted to receive a second pressure and deflect indicative ofthe first pressure; and a second oil-filled volume defined on a backsideof the second diaphragm, the second oil-filled volume adapted totransmit the deflection of the second diaphragm to the sensor module viaa channel housed in a middle section of the header, and wherein thesecond diaphragm receives a second back pressure from the secondoil-filled volume; wherein the first diameter and the second diameterare different; and wherein the first back pressure and second backpressure are substantially the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a pressure transduceraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a diaphragm according to an aspectof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure sensor employingpiezoresistors according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diaphragm of Wheatstone Bridge such as the typeemployed on the sensor of FIG. 3 and used in explaining the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail,it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated.Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is limited in itsscope to the details of construction and arrangement of components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferredembodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, terminology will beresorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each termcontemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in theart and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similarmanner to accomplish a similar purpose.

By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at leastthe named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in thecomposition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence ofother compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the othersuch compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same functionas what is named.

It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method stepsdoes not preclude the presence of additional method steps or interveningmethod steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it isalso to be understood that the mention of one or more components in adevice or system does not preclude the presence of additional componentsor intervening components between those components expressly identified.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likeelements, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are hereindescribed. It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions ofthe present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements thatare relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements found intypical pressure sensor assemblies and chip-package assemblies andmethods of making and using the same. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that other elements are desirable and/or required inorder to implement the present invention. However, because such elementsare well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a betterunderstanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements isnot provided herein.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a differentialpressure transducer that comprises first and second diaphragms ofdifferent configurations, i.e., different diameters and/or thicknesses.The pressure transducer provides more versatility over prior art designsas the diaphragms can be of different configurations yet still maintainsubstantially similar back pressures. Therefore, the errors commonlyassociated with back pressures are eliminated because the back pressuresfrom the diaphragms ultimately cancel out in the sensor's differentialpressure measurement, as will be further explained herein.

In many prior art configurations, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,743,662, 7,866,216, and 8,191,424, also assigned to the assigneeherein and incorporated by reference herein, the diaphragms are made tobe of substantially the same configuration (i.e., same diaphragm andthickness) to compensate and cancel out undesirable back pressure causedby oil-filled regions, which will be further discussed herein. Thevarious exemplary embodiments, however, eliminate the need fordiaphragms to be of substantially the same configuration, yet alsocompensate and cancel out undesirable back pressure effects, allowingfor enhanced design flexibility.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of apressure transducer 100. The pressure transducer 100 generally comprisesa substantially dumbbell-shaped header 105 fabricated from a metalmaterial (other materials may be used, however). The header 105generally houses the elements of the pressure transducer, and comprisesa first section 101, a second section 102, and a middle section 103. Thetransducer 100 comprises a sensor module 110 housed in the first section101 of the header 105. The sensor module 110 is associated withwire-bonded leads 115. Further, there is shown a ceramic layer 120 thatdefines a central aperture that surrounds the sensor module 110 anddisplaces some of the oil volume so that there is less oil to create aback pressure.

The pressure transducer 100 comprises a first diaphragm 125 disposedadjacent the first section 101 of the header 105 and a second diaphragm130 disposed adjacent the second section 102 of the header 105. Thefirst diaphragm 125 and the second diaphragm 130 are preferablyfabricated from a metal material, but may be made from other materialsas well. The first diaphragm 125 receives a first pressure, P₁, from afirst pressure port in communication with a first pressure source andthe second diaphragm 130 receives a second pressure, P₂, from a secondpressure port in communication with a second pressure source. As oneskilled in the art will appreciate, each diaphragm is configured todeflect proportional to the amount of pressure applied to the diaphragm.This deflection of the first diaphragm 125 and the second diaphragm 130are then transferred to opposite sides of the sensor module 110, and thesensor module 110 provides an output proportional to the differencebetween pressures P₁ and P₂. For the deflection of the first diaphragm125 and the second diaphragm 130 to be accurately transferred to thesensor module 110, first and second oil-filled volumes are utilized. Afirst oil-filled volume 135 is disposed between a backside of the firstdiaphragm 125 and the ceramic layer 125. A second oil-filled volume 140is disposed adjacent a backside of the second diaphragm 125 and flowsthrough a channel 145 to reach the sensor module 110. The oil for thefirst oil-filled volume 135 and second oil-filled volume 140 is providedvia first and second oil-filled tubes 150/155, respectively. Onedrawback to the oil-filled volumes 135/140 is that as the temperaturechanges, the oil in the oil-filled volumes expands and contracts,therefore creating an additional pressure on the sensor module 110.Thus, as the oil expands and contracts, the first and second diaphragms125/130 must slightly deflect to make room for the extra volume of oil.This deflection causes the first and second diaphragms 125/130 to imparta small pressure, known as a “back pressure,” into the oil, which isthen transmitted to the sensor 125/130. Therefore, if both the first andsecond diaphragms 125/130 have the same amount of back pressure, theback pressures will cancel each other out in a differential pressuremeasurement. Prior art embodiments therefore utilized first and seconddiaphragms of substantially the same configuration—i.e., substantiallythe same size, diameter, and thickness to combat this problem. It waspreviously thought that this was the only design that would result in amore uniform operation of the transducer because the diaphragms wouldhave the same back pressure, which would therefore cancel out in thedifferential pressure measurement and be similarly compliant.

However, the present invention may comprise first and second diaphragmsof different configurations and still maintain uniform thermal backpressures that cancel out in a differential pressure measurement. Byadjusting the amount of oil as well as the diameter and thickness of thediaphragms, it is possible to make first and second oil-filled volumesthat apply substantially similar thermal back pressure.

The deflection of a thin diaphragm under a uniform pressure is given by:

$y_{c} \approx \frac{\Pr^{4}}{{Et}^{3}}$

Where y_(c) is the deflection at the center of the diaphragm, P is thepressure on the diaphragm, r is the radius, E is the Young's Modulus,and t is the thickness. The expansion of the oil is given by

ΔV≈VTβ

Where ΔV is the change in volume, V is the original volume, T is thetemperature, and β is the volumetric expansion coefficient of the oil.By assuming the oil is essentially a cylinder directly underneath thediaphragm, the equation can be rewritten as:

ΔV≈r ² hTβ

Where h is the height of the oil.

By integrating the displacement of the diaphragm over its surface andsolving for the pressure, the pressure created when the diaphragm isdisplaced may be found, which allows room for the expanded oil volume.The formula for oil expansion can then be plugged in to get an equationfor pressure as a function of temperature:

$P \approx \frac{\beta \; {hTEt}^{3}}{r^{4}}$

From this equation, given two different diameters, it is possible tofind a combination of oil-filled volume and diaphragm thickness thatwill cause the back pressure to cancel out. It is also possible tostiffen the diaphragm in other ways such as adding convolutions ratherthan increasing the thickness.

Therefore, the pressure transducer 100 of the present inventioncomprises a first diaphragm 125 and a second diaphragm 130 of differentdiameters and/or thicknesses, yet still maintain substantially similarback pressures such that the back pressures cancel each other out in adifferential pressure measurement performed by the sensor module 110.This pressure transducer configuration enables more versatility indiaphragm design.

It shall also be understood that exemplary embodiments of the pressuretransducer 100 are not limited to the first and second diaphragm beingof different diameters and/or thicknesses. For example, embodiments ofthe pressure transducer 100 may comprise first and second diaphragms125/130 of substantially the same configuration (i.e., having the samediameter and thickness). In these embodiments, other components, forexample, the first and second oil-filled volumes 135/140, may bemanipulated to be of different configurations, while still maintainingsubstantially similar back pressures.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a typicaldiaphragm 205, which is the type of diaphragm employed in FIG. 1 asfirst and second diaphragms 125/130. The diaphragm 205 is preferablythin and preferably made of metal and further, has a peripheral flange210 to securely position the diaphragm onto the header 105.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view ofa typical sensor module. The sensor module comprises a semiconductorsubstrate 305 having a thin active area or diaphragm 315 upon whichpiezoresistors 310 are positioned. The sensor can be protected fromexternal environments by coating it with a layer of silicon dioxide.Pressure P₁ is applied to the top of the sensor active area or diaphragm315. Pressure P₁ is transmitted to the sensor by the oil 320, whichfills the cavity above the sensor. Pressure P₂ is applied to theunderside of the sensor diaphragm via channel 145. Therefore, the sensorproduces an output pressure indicative of the differential pressurebetween P₁ and P₂.

FIG. 4 illustrates a Wheatstone Bridge configuration having fourresistors 405, which may be piezoresistors. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the resistance of the resistors 405 change according toan applied pressure. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 are four leadsassociated with the Wheatstone Bridge, two of the leads bias the bridgeand two provide an output. In prior art embodiments, five leads weregenerally utilized so that one lead could perform as a separate groundreference lead. Irrespective of the number of leads utilized for thebridge, each lead must be brought out from the device. The variousembodiments of the present invention may be desirable over the prior artbecause each embodiment enables the leads to be brought out and allowsthe back pressures from the oil-filled volumes to cancel out without theneed for substantially similar diaphragm configurations. Thisconfiguration results in improved operation of differential pressuretransducers as compared to prior art devices.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications andvariations may be made in the apparatus and process of the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.It is intended that the present invention cover the modification andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A pressure transducer, comprising: a first diaphragm housed in afirst section of a header, the first diaphragm having a first stiffnessand being adapted to receive a first pressure; a second diaphragm housedin a second section of the header, the second diaphragm having a secondstiffness and being adapted to receive a second pressure, wherein thefirst stiffness and the second stiffness are different; and a sensormodule in communication with the first diaphragm and the seconddiaphragm via first and second oil-filled volumes, respectively, thesensor module adapted to output a signal indicating a difference betweenthe first and second pressures; wherein the first diaphragm receives afirst back pressure from the first oil-filled volume and the seconddiaphragm receives a second back pressure from the second oil-filledvolume.
 2. The pressure transducer of claim 1, wherein the firstdiaphragm and the second diaphragm are of different diameters.
 3. Thepressure transducer of claim 1, wherein the first diaphragm and thesecond diaphragm are of different thicknesses.
 4. The pressuretransducer of claim 1, wherein one of the first diaphragm or the seconddiaphragm comprises a different convolution to impart a differentstiffness relative to a corresponding second diaphragm or firstdiaphragm.
 5. The pressure transducer of claim 4, wherein the firstdiaphragm and the second diaphragm are of equivalent thicknesses.
 6. Thepressure transducer of claim 1, wherein the sensor module is apiezoresistive sensor.
 7. The pressure transducer of claim 6, whereinthe sensor module comprises a Wheatstone bridge including at least onepiezoresistor.
 8. A pressure transducer, comprising: a first diaphragmhaving a first stiffness housed in a first section of a header, thefirst diaphragm adapted to receive a first pressure and deflectindicative of the first pressure; a first oil-filled volume defined on abackside of the first diaphragm, the first oil-filled volume adapted totransmit the deflection of the first diaphragm to a sensor module, andwherein the first diaphragm receives a first back pressure from thefirst oil-filled volume; a second diaphragm having a second stiffnesshoused in a second section of the header, the second diaphragm adaptedto receive a second pressure and deflect indicative of the firstpressure; and a second oil-filled volume defined on a backside of thesecond diaphragm, the second oil-filled volume adapted to transmit thedeflection of the second diaphragm to the sensor module via anoil-filled channel housed in a middle section of the header, and whereinthe second diaphragm receives a second back pressure from the secondoil-filled volume; and wherein the first stiffness and the secondstiffness are different.
 9. The pressure transducer of claim 8, whereindeflection of the first and second diaphragms is determined by:$y_{c} \approx \frac{\Pr^{4}}{{Et}^{3}}$ where y_(c) is deflection atthe center of the diaphragms, P is the pressure on the diaphragms, r isthe radius of the diaphragms, E is Young's Modulus, and t is diaphragmthickness.
 10. The pressure transducer of claim 8, wherein expansion ofoil in the first and second oil-filled volumes is determined by:ΔV≈VTβ where ΔV is the change in volume, V is the original volume, T isthe temperature, and β is the volumetric expansion coefficient of theoil.
 11. The pressure transducer of claim 8, wherein the sensor moduleis adapted to output a signal indicative of a difference between thefirst and second pressures.
 12. The pressure transducer of claim 8,wherein the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are of differentthicknesses.
 13. The pressure transducer of claim 8, wherein the firstdiaphragm and the second diaphragm are of different diameters.
 14. Thepressure transducer of claim 8, wherein the first diaphragm and thesecond diaphragm are of different thicknesses.
 15. The pressuretransducer of claim 8, wherein one of the first diaphragm or the seconddiaphragm comprises a different convolution to impart a differentstiffness relative to a corresponding second diaphragm or firstdiaphragm.
 16. The pressure transducer of claim 15, wherein the firstdiaphragm and the second diaphragm are of equivalent thicknesses. 17.The pressure transducer of claim 8, wherein the first diaphragm and thesecond diaphragm are fabricated from a metal.
 18. The pressuretransducer of claim 8, wherein the header is fabricated from a metal.19. The pressure transducer of claim 8, wherein the sensor modulecomprises a Wheatstone bridge including at least one piezoresistorlocated thereon.
 20. A pressure transducer, comprising: a firstdiaphragm having a first stiffness and housed in a first section of aheader, the first diaphragm adapted to receive a first pressure anddeflect indicative of the first pressure; a first oil-filled volume of afirst configuration defined on a backside of the first diaphragm, thefirst oil-filled volume adapted to transmit the deflection of the firstdiaphragm to a sensor module, and wherein the first diaphragm receives afirst back pressure from the first oil-filled volume; a second diaphragmhaving a second stiffness and housed in a second section of the header,the second diaphragm adapted to receive a second pressure and deflectindicative of the second pressure; and a second oil-filled volume of asecond configuration defined on a backside of the second diaphragm, thesecond oil-filled volume adapted to transmit the deflection of thesecond diaphragm to the sensor module via a channel housed in a middlesection of the header, and wherein the second diaphragm receives asecond back pressure from the second oil-filled volume; wherein thefirst configuration and the second configuration are different.